Lee Jae-myung, Emergency Meeting with Economic Groups on 12th
Kim Tae-nyeon "Democratic Party Must Take Charge of Economic Situation"
Since the impeachment crisis, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has been taking bold actions. Inside and outside the party, it is evaluated that the Democratic Party, as the largest party in the National Assembly, is showing its determination to stabilize state affairs during this national crisis. In political circles, Lee, who is closer than anyone else to the next presidential election, is seen as demonstrating his 'governing capability' through these moves.
On the 12th, at an emergency Supreme Council meeting, Lee criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol's refusal to step down, saying, "The country's economy is collapsing, external credibility is falling, and the future is being damaged," and asked, "Who exactly benefits from this?" Earlier, whenever he had the opportunity to speak after the emergency martial law situation, Lee expressed concerns about the economic situation and proposed solutions such as forming an 'Emergency Economic Inspection Meeting involving the ruling party, opposition, and government.'
He also held an urgent meeting with economic organizations in the afternoon. Attendees included Kim Ki-moon, chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs, Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, and Song Chi-young, chairman of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, who planned to discuss the economic situation. The day before, he also convened an emergency economic inspection meeting, closely monitoring the overall economic situation.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
Jin Sung-jun, chairman of the Policy Committee, explained the background of proposing the emergency economic inspection meeting, saying, "At least in terms of the economy, the ruling and opposition parties want to create alternatives together," and added, "Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, has expressed his willingness to actively participate." The Democratic Party explained, "Just having an emergency economic inspection meeting involving the ruling party, opposition, and government shows that Korea's economic management system is functioning normally, which can positively contribute to external credibility."
Regarding these movements, within the party, it is explained that 'the Democratic Party and Lee Jae-myung have no choice but to take the lead.' Representative Park Ji-won said about Lee's recent actions, "The emergency martial law has brought a comprehensive crisis to diplomacy, economy, and security," and added, "We have no choice but to actively respond to protect the Korea-US security alliance and revive the economy." Representative Kim Tae-nyeon said, "The Korean economy is already in a severe situation, and this emergency martial law is like adding insult to injury," and stated, "In the current situation, the public will expect the Democratic Party, which holds the most seats, to take responsibility and manage the economic situation." Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Ho-jung also said, "Regardless of party lines, in this unfavorable economic situation, it is necessary to reassure economic agents."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party strongly opposed President Yoon Seok-yeol's national address, which argued the inevitability of emergency martial law. Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ju-min said, "People cannot help but say he is crazy," and added, "No matter how much he tries to justify himself now, the crimes of the traitor Yoon Seok-yeol will not disappear. We will definitely impeach him." Kim Dong-yeon, governor of Gyeonggi Province, also condemned the address, saying, "It is beyond anger; it is heartbreaking," and called it "an attempt to incite extreme chaos." The Justice Party responded, saying, "It is hard to hold back from cursing."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
